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Ford upgrades its in-car infotainment system with Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto

Submitted by Joseph Garcia on Mon, 01/04/2016 - 15:57

Ford cars will become a lot smarter, as the company is adopting Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto for in-car infotainment system. So, whether you are Apple user or Android user or some other platform, Ford has all the options for you.

At the 2016 International CES in Las Vegas, Ford is announcing about the move that it is going to add compatibility with both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto. Last year, Ford came up with its third iteration, Sync 3, which controls things like media playback, car settings and navigation.

The system will be supporting the both Google and Apple’s in-car platforms, which basically means that your smartphone will take over your car’s central display, enabling things like Spotify music streaming, voice-based messaging and navigating using Apple or Google Maps. This will allow you stay connected yet drive safely without any distraction.

All 2017 vehicles equipped with Sync 3 will have the support and 2016 Sync 3 vehicles will get an upgrade option but later this year. This option means iPhone owners will be able to access Siri, Apple Maps and much more and those with Android Auto compatible devices will get the Google services suit.

Experts said that the move was expected for a very long time. Ford had shown interest in working with Apple. It was the time when Ford introduced CarPlay in March 2014. The latest announcement is said to boost its appeal as iOS and Android rule much of the North American mobile market.

Ford has also added a new apps to its AppLink platform including AAA member services, Concur expense tracking and location-based service Eventseeker and new 4G-powered Sync Connect feature, which allows customers to start their vehicles through remote. Using their phone, customers can unlock doors, check fuel level and locate their car. As per Ford, it has 15 million vehicles with Sync technology.

CNET reported that, when the big Blue Oval finally put MyFord Touch out to pasture last year, that was good news for most. The system wasn't warmly received when it was new and, frankly, the industry quickly moved on after its debut. That system's replacement was Sync 3, and at the 2016 International CES in Las Vegas, Ford is announcing a huge functionality boost, adding compatibility with both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto.

TechCrunch report said, at last, at last, at last. Ford is finally adopting Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto for its in-car infotainment system, so the carmaker announced ahead of the CES event in Las Vegas this week.

That’s not quite all from Ford today, however. The auto giant has also added a slew of new apps to its AppLink platform — including AAA member services, Concur expense tracking and location-based service Eventseeker — and new 4G-powered Sync Connect feature that enable customers to remote start their vehicle, unlock doors, check fuel level and locate their car via their phone.

According to the PC World, Ford is increasing the number of smartphone functions that can be controlled from car interfaces by adding support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and introducing more apps for its Sync in-vehicle connectivity system.

Apple CarPlay and Google's Android Auto have been designed for users to be able to continue to use their phones to access information and make calls from the vehicle's native interface while driving, by connecting the phone to the car.